[nilesfunnies] Burnley Cotton mill

Regulations for a Burnley cotton mill office in 1852.

1 Godliness, cleanliness and punctuality are the necessities of a good
business.

2 This firm has reduced the hours of work and the clerical staff still
now only have to be present between the hours of 7.00 a.m. and 6.00
p.m, on weekdays.

3 Daily prayers will be held each morning in the main office. The
clerical staff will be present.

4 Clothing must be of a sober nature. The clerical staff will not
disport themselves in raiment of bright colours, nor will they wear
hose, unless in good repair.

5 Overshoes and top-coats may not be worn in the office, but neck.
scarves and headwear may be worn in inclement weather.

6 A stove is provided for the benefit of clerical staff. Coal and wood
must be kept in the locker. It is recommended that each member of
staff bring 4 pounds of coal each day during cold weather.

7 No members of clerical staff may leave the room without permission
from Mr Rogers. The calls of nature are permitted and clerical staff
may use the garden below the second gate. This area must be kept in
good order.

8 No talking is allowed during business hours.

9 The craving for tobacco, wines and spirits is a human weakness and,
as such, is forbidden to all members of the clerical staff.

10 Now that the hours of business have been drastically reduced, the
partaking of food is allowed between the hours of 11.30 and noon, but
work will not on any account cease.

11 Members of clerical staff will provide their own pens. A new
sharpener is available, on application to Mr Rogers.

12 Mr Rogers will nominate a senior clerk to be responsible for the
cleaning of the main office, and all boys and juniors will report 40
minutes before prayers, and will remain after closing hours for
similar work. Brushes,-brooms, scrubbers and soap are provided by the
owners.

13 The new increased weekly wages are as hereunder detailed. Junior
hoes (up to 11 years) Is. 4d. Boys (to 14 years) 2s. ld. Juniors 4s.
3d. Junior clerks 8s. 7d. Clerks lOs. 9d. Senior clerks
(after 15 years with the Owners) 21s. Od.

Note The Owners recognise the generosity of the new Labour Laws,
but will expect a great rise in output of work to compensate for these
near Utopian conditions.